Chai Ji Indisches Restaurant — Restaurant in Berlin

We went to this place on a whim when a nearby restaurant was unexpectedly closed - and what a lucky coincidence that was. Our first visit impressed us so much, we had to come again shortly after. An all-family operated, home-cooking style cuisine, made by fusing the many different regions of India, using methods much more in line with traditional cooking. You won't find food colouring here - the tandoori chicken, the pakoras, everything gets its colours from spices and other ingredients.

The pakoras stand tall above their competition from other places, the naan is incredible, the bhatura the fluffiest, crispiest we've had in all of Berlin. And the mains are to die for - if you ask for "Indian hot", that quickly becomes a possiblity, too. But, for everyday purposes, the meals are well balanced, delicious, and everything is made fresh. The veggies have bite, the meats are tender, and the portions are generous.

Service has been friendly, unpretentious. You can feel that the operators are part of the city, immersed, integrated, and yet proudly representing the rich cooking of their origins. Easy to chat with, agreeable to requests, committed to quality, with that underlying Berlin charm and sass.

This has now replaced every other prior Indian restaurant as our go-to, and we will, for...

I hate to write this review, since Chai Ji was my top recommendation about 2 years ago. But after the last meal I had there I can't say I'll recommend it again. Had a mango chicken dish that was akin to eating a desert dish - heavy on coconut and what tasted like prepackaged coconut flakes, a few strips of mango and listless chicken. Nary a spice from the Indian subcontinent was present in the entire meal, and the battered starter tasted like it came from KFC. (I can say that with confidence, since I have lived with real, live, Hindi speaking Indians in the past). Added to that, the service was rude in the beginning, although our last waitress was very sweet.

What used to be one of the only authentic Indians in the area is now exactly like every other joint on Simon Dach Strasse, and it makes me sad. Maybe they changed management or chef, but it's not worth going here unless you want German food disguised behind a multiculti decor. A major...

I recently dined at Chai Ji, and I must say the experience was nothing short of exceptional. The food deserves a 5 out of 5 stars, though I wish there was an option for 6! The homely taste and lip-smacking flavors truly stand out. The Mutton Bhuna Gosht was perfectly spicy and absolutely delicious, while the Paneer Jaipur was just fabulous.

I had the pleasure of meeting the chef, who also happens to be the owner, and she is simply wonderful. Her passion for food is evident in every dish.

A special shoutout to Ritika for her amazing hospitality. She recommended the best dishes and was kind enough to offer me a small portion of spicy chutney and mango ras for home which made the experience even better.

Overall, an awesome experience—10...